U.S. is already semi-socialistic

This is in response to the letter in Sunday's Herald from Mr. Marc Thomsen with the caption "Health care and the price of gas."

We already live in a semi-socialist society. Assuming socialism is defined as government control or intervention in the private sector in order to influence an economic or social outcome.

Is it not socialism to subsidize farmers, the oil industry, etc.? Is Medicare (not withstanding funding shortfalls, an extremely effective government controlled health system) not socialism?

As a liberal who believes that making a profit on peoples' health issues is unconscionable and un-American, and as one who cares about 47 million uninsured in one of the richest countries in the world, I guarantee the uninsured would welcome a medical system such as the United Kingdom's even with all its faults.

By the way, England's per capita income has surpassed that of the United States. The British must be doing something right.

Michael D. Lee

Wheeling